Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-06-18 at 14:02

HEADLINES
Khamenei breaks silence on US deal approval
CENTCOM lifts Hormuz blockade, reshapes posture
Trump eyes Netanyahu endorsement after review

The time is now 2:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In Iranian Retaliation, Mojtaba Khamenei breaks silence on US deal: ‘I had a different view, but approved it’, Iran’s supreme leader issued his first statement after signing the memorandum of understanding, again in writing rather than on camera, saying Trump pursued the deal ‘out of weakness and need’.

In US Military Role, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announces the complete lifting of the naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM said the blockade has been completely lifted, marking a change in the maritime posture near the Strait of Hormuz.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Trump: I’ll likely support Netanyahu in next election, but I need to see who is running. President Donald Trump said he is most likely to endorse Netanyahu in the next election but wants to review who else is running, noting he has a good relationship with the prime minister but that he wants him to be more rational and to be open to meeting. He also referenced a recent dispute over Lebanon and stressed the need for careful assessment of candidates.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Vance: Israel should not attack its only powerful ally left, must abide by peace in Lebanon. Vice President JD Vance criticized Israeli critics of the MoU, warning that if Iran doesn’t change its behavior it won’t receive the benefits of the agreement, while affirming Israel’s right to defend itself in relation to the Lebanon ceasefire and urging adherence to the peace process that benefits the region.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, 'Can’t kill your way out of every problem': JD Vance spars with Ben-Gvir, Smotrich over Iran deal. In remarks to the New York Times, Vance defended Washington’s Iran deal, pressed Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir for concrete proposals, and argued that a country of nine million cannot solve security challenges by force alone, noting that Netanyahu has not scrutinized the deal as closely as the Israeli ministers.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, טראמפ: אין תשלום של 300 מיליארד דולר לאיראן מארה״ב. זה פייק ניוז! כל מה שיש לארה״ב זה הצלחה, מחירי נפט נמוכים יותר וניצחון. תבדקו את שוק המניות. תעמולה דמוקרטית במשחק. Trump: There is no payment of $300 billion to Iran from the US that is real; this is fake news, he said, adding that the United States has achieved success, oil prices are lower, and victory, and urged people to check the stock market amid what he called Democratic propaganda.

In US Policy Concerning Israel, Mark Levin responds to JD Vance. Mark Levin responded to JD Vance in reaction to his remarks on the Iran deal.

In Israeli Domestic Politics, Health Ministry failed to test baby food after toddlers hospitalized in May, police say - report. Police opened an investigation into tainted Prinok baby food in May, and the Health Ministry did not request the product be tested at the time, despite concerns raised after two toddlers were hospitalized. The jar was later tested and found to contain sedatives, with investigators noting the jar was kept as evidence and that testing had not been ordered by the Health Ministry during the initial investigation.

In Antisemitism and Anti-Jewish Hate, Pro-Iran narratives target Azerbaijan’s Jewish war hero amid Israel-Baku disinformation row. Azerbaijani-language social media posts circulated recently questioning Albert Agarunov, a Jewish National Hero of Azerbaijan, and alleging Azerbaijan is used for Israeli operations against Iran. The posts described Agarunov’s story as a forgery and appeared alongside hashtags linked to pro-Iranian networks, referencing Iran, Tabriz, Islam and “Resistance.”

In Uplifting News, Van Jones: Humanity has ‘special responsibility’ to defend Jews as he joins Genesis Prize board. The CNN commentator said humanity has a special responsibility to defend the Jewish people, framing Israel as home to about half of the world’s Jews and stressing the need to safeguard their future. An accompanying caption notes an American refueler evacuating from Ben Gurion Airport, described as gone too soon.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
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